It’s going to be a changeable day for the sailors taking part in this year’s Round the Island Race tomorrow: A combination of sunny and rainy weather depending on which part of the Island they are passing.
Round the Island is being tipped as the biggest mass participation event to be staged since the UK’s first Coronavirus Lockdown a year ago.
The firing guns will begin sounding from 6.30am, as the first boats set off on the race. Best of luck to the nearly 1,200 boats entered.
Where to watch
Here’s a guide provided by race organisers of the best places to watch the World’s largest yacht race.
| Island vantage points | Approx. times | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| COWES Start COWES Finish | 0630-0800 0930-2000 | Via Ward Avenue, Baring Road & Castle Hill to the Parade and the Green either side of the Royal Yacht Squadron. |
| SCONCE POINT | 0800-1030 | From Yarmouth, drive towards Freshwater. Turn right after 1/2 mile and follow signs to Fort Victoria. |
| THE NEEDLES | 0830-1200 | From Freshwater or Totland follow signs to the Needles Car Park. Park and walk up West High Down to Needles Battery. Best view to south of Coast Guard Station. |
| CHILTON CHINE | 0915-1230 | Situated on the cliffs near Brighstone is Chilton Chine (accessible from the Military Road). It has a terrific view of the boats as they sail by. |
| ST. CATHERINE'S POINT | 1000-1400 | From Freshwater, Rookley or Ventnor go to Niton. Take loop road to Buddle Inn. Park and walk down cliffs by lighthouse. |
| VENTNOR | 1015-1430 | Park on Cliff at West End of Esplanade. |
| BONCHURCH | 1030-1500 | Take lane down to sea opposite Bonchurch pond. Take left turn and park in car park at bottom, which is best view. |
| CULVER DOWN | 1100-1600 | From Brading, take Bembridge road. After 1 mile, turn right and follow sign for Culver (on a bend, and lane hairpins up!) |
| RYDE PIER | 1200-1700 | From Ryde Esplanade, drive up pier and park at end. Parking for 1 hour. |
Weather forecast
The weather forecast for Saturday from Chris Tibbs reads:
Light and variable overnight and mainly E-SE at start time in the region of 5-10 knots.
The wind will stay light and variable mainly E-SE. As the front arrives the wind will become variable for a while then fill in from the SW increasing 10-15 knots and possibly 13-18 by late afternoon and evening. Max T 20C
Image: © Paul Wyeth
